Visiting the island of Ireland during St Valentine’s Day?

I've heard there's a connection between Ireland and St Valentine – what is it?

The links between Ireland and St Valentine are stronger than you can imagine! During the 19th century, an Irish priest named John Spratt – known for his skills as a preacher and also for his work among Dublin's poorest – was rewarded by the Pope with a relic of St Valentine after impressing many in Rome. The relic in question were the remains of the St Valentine himself.

The priest then brought this sacred relic back to Ireland and, to this day, it can be found in the Whitefriar Street (now known as Aungier Street) Carmelite Church on the south side of Dublin's city centre.

Today, the shrine is visited by couples who ask St Valentine to watch over them in their lives together, as well as those hoping to find that special one. The Shrine to St Valentine is also the spot where those getting married can enjoy a special 'blessings of the rings' on February 14th.

Given we're the home of St Valentine, you'll be glad to learn that there's more than just one or two love stories on this island of ours...just take a look!

Ireland is the perfect spot to visit for a romantic St Valentine's Getaway Break. It is overflowing with romantic locations and with Valentine’s Day fast approaching here are the top 10 romantic spots to pop that all-important question to that someone special in your life

Bed and Breakfast homes are the ideal accommodation on your romantic breakaway as they are close to all those romantic must-see attractions and locations. With over 700+ to choose from in city, town, farm and countryside locations, Bed and Breakfast homes offer the perfect way to see and capture the true spirit of Ireland.

Even if you don't intend on popping the question, make sure to treat that someone special to a romantic breakaway. It is guaranteed to make them feel very cared for and it is the ideal way to say...I love you! <3

St. Valentine and Dublin are indeed linked as the relics of St. Valentine are found in Dublin.The Whitefriar Street Carmelite Church is a Roman Catholic church in Dublin maintained by the Carmelite order. The church is noted for having the relics of Saint Valentine, which were donated to the church in the 19th century by Pope Gregory XVI from their previous location in the cemetery of St. Hippolytus in Rome.More about the ChurchThe Carmelites on the shrine